Some city and business leaders want to revamp the downtown walkway, saying routine repairs to fix cracks and water damage are now amounting to millions of dollars a year. The Downtown Journal says the city would ask the state to kick in $25 million, with the private sector and city covering the rest.

NBA Players Association Executive Director Billy Hunter says the league is about to cancel games until Christmas unless a deal is reached 4:00 p.m. CT Wednesday. The Timberwolves have 14 games scheduled in December, 12 of which are before Christmas.

Talking Points Memo reports the recall could be the second most expensive campaign in the country, behind only the presidential race. If the cost gets anywhere close to that figure it would absolutely trounce the gubernatorial election itself, which came in at $37.4 million (and that set a record).

More than a tenth of Minnesota's prison population is 50 years or older. Many of them who need expensive medical treatments for things like diabetes, cancer and heart disease are referred to as "million-dollar prisoners." The Star Tribune reports the Corrections Department has tripled its medical budget over the past 10 years in order to provide offenders with proper medical care.

Top negotiators for the NBA and players' association will meet tonight in a last-minute effort to avoid canceled regular-season games. Commissioner David Stern has set Monday as the deadline for a new labor deal.

A day after the NHL turned down three counterproposals from players, the league canceled 53 more games adding to the total of 135 games scratched. On Thursday, the player's union rejected the NHL's proposal made two days earlier that offered a 50-50 split of hockey-related revenues and ensured a full regular-season schedule. No new talks are scheduled.

The tornado that swept through north Minneapolis a year ago Tuesday damaged thousands of homes and businesses. It also dented pocketbooks. When the costs to homeowners, taxpayers, insurance companies, and charitable groups are totaled, the Star Tribune estimates the price tag came to $80 million.

Major League Baseball and Minneapolis officials have differing opinions on how much money the 2014 All-Star game at Target Field will bring to the city, but all agree it will certainly have a major economic impact. The six-day event filled with activities surrounding the actual game could bring between an estimated $75 to $110 million for the city.